Young men’s perspectives on expressing problems affecting their mental health to family and friends in Ehlanzeni district, Mpumalanga province
Background: Worldwide, over 1 in 10 individuals are experiencing some form of mental health issue, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. South Africa ranks eighth globally for suicide rates, with 450 men taking their own lives every month. This research sought to inv...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MRE Press
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Journal of Men's Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://oss.jomh.org/files/article/20250328-516/pdf/JOMH2024081502.pdf |
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| Summary: | Background: Worldwide, over 1 in 10 individuals are experiencing some
form of mental health issue, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and
bipolar disorders. South Africa ranks eighth globally for suicide rates, with 450
men taking their own lives every month. This research sought to investigate the
views of young men regarding expressing issues impacting their mental well-being
with family and friends in the Ehlanzeni district of Mpumalanga province, South
Africa. Methods: The investigators utilized a qualitative research
approach and implemented a non-probability purposive and convenience sampling
technique. A group of sixteen men between the ages of 23 and 35 were interviewed,
and the findings were examined using inductive thematic analysis.
Results: The study reveals that fear of stigma, masculinity norms and
societal expectations are the main reasons why at times, men are unable to talk
to their families and friends about problems that affect their mental health.
Others have reported that emotional support from family and friends encourages
them to speak up. Conclusions: It is increasingly evident that young men
face a range of challenges, many of which can deeply affect their mental
well-being and overall life satisfaction. This evidence highlights several
important areas for improvement in how mental health services are designed and
delivered. Therefore, the paper concludes , that gender-specific intervention
services designed for men are necessary, and it is essential to incorporate
gender considerations to adequately meet the mental health needs of men. |
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| ISSN: | 1875-6867 1875-6859 |